A Second Evelyn, with Interesting Annotations

Evelyn, John. NUMISMATA. A DISCOURSE OF MEDALS, ANTIENT AND MODERN. TOGETHER WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF HEADS AND EFFIGIES OF ILLUSTRIOUS, AND FAMOUS PERSONS, SCULPS, AND TAILLE-DOUCE, OF WHOM WE HAVE NO MEDALS EXTANT; AND OF THE USE TO BE DERIVED FROM THEM. TO WHICH IS ADDED A DIGRESSION CONCERNING PHYSIOGNOMY. London: Benj. Tooke, 1697. Tall 4to [33 by 20.5 cm], contemporary Cambridge paneled calf; professionally rebacked spine with five raised bands, ruled and decorated in black; red spine label lettered in gilt; all page edges red. (8), 342, (14) pages; title printed in red and black; fine engravings of the obverses and reverses of 97 English coins and medals in the text, including what is thought to be the earliest depiction of the St. Patrick’s coinage on page 133. Binding worn at extremities, but expertly repaired; the rebacking is obvious, but well-done. Occasional minor discoloration and browning; one leaf (Ll3) clipped at bottom corner, not affecting text. A few early annotations in ink. Transcriptions of two letters from the author regarding the work on front flyleaf (see comments). Very good. A very interesting copy. On the verso of the original front flyleaf in this example, and on a sheet affixed to the recto, are what appear to be 19th-century transcriptions of two letters from the author. Of the letter on the verso, a note signed by “H.E.” at the base tells us: “The above with other notes and memoranda throughout the volume have been transcribed from the copy of the work presented by Mr Evelyn to Sir Hans Sloane, now in the Liby of the British Museum.” The letter to Sloane agonizes over the many errors found in Numismata, observing in part that: “finding it too late to recall what had been dispersed, you will easily guess how sensibly I was afflicted, not only to see how the printer had abused me (by leaving out many of the most material corrections) but how ill I was dealt with by those who in my absence... undertook to supervise and repair my failings. I do not by this go about to extenuate my mistakes and follys (which are innumerable) but to deplore my rashness and presumption in not consulting Mr. Charleton and other learned friends...” The other letter (citing at the base: Sloane. 3962. fol. 264), discusses “a Medal struck by Francis the 2d of France, and Mary Queen of Scots; whereon are quarter’d the armes of England with those of France and Scotland, arrogating their title to the crowne of England... I know of none more likely than your selfe to have it in your noble and ample collection, to which I have recourse, and am so greatly oblig’d for your generous imparting to me the assistance I daily receive...” The “notes and memoranda” previously mentioned appear to comprise the ink annotations found in the text of the copy at hand. Bassoli 33. Dekesel E28, Issue III (plate LXXXI printed as appropriate on page 146; the first issue had plate LXXIX printed for a second time in place of LXXXI, which was subsequently corrected with a printed overslip). Hirsch 37. Lipsius 118. Manville 72. Modesti 733. Strandberg 64. Inscribed on the front pastedown: “To Th. Gould, Esq., with Rich A Stevens’ kind regards—April 12, 1870.” Ex libris Henry and Mary M. Bernheim; ex Kolbe Sale 91, lot 700.